Food -

Rabbits eat a variety of rabbit foods, Fruit and vegetable.  There are many different rabbit foods available from local pet store which include supreme & deluxe mix’s.  They can also eat grass & hay which is a important part in their diet.  DO NOT feed your rabbit a lot of fruit & veg as this can cause problems for your rabbit.

Recommended Vegetables & Fruit -

•Celery – strings removed
•Alfalfa sprouts
•Carrots
•Herbs – Basil, parsley
•Dandelion flowers and leaves – Untreated
•Radish tops
•Broccoli – mostly stems & leaves
•pears
•Banana
•Apple – No core or seeds
•Grapes – No seeds
•Plums
•Strawberries

Water –

Make sure your rabbit always as fresh water available.  Plastics water bottles are available from local pet’s shops, Make sure when you fit your water bottle your rabbit is available to reach it.  Make sure the bottle is cleaned out daily with fresh water. i use CARR’S entracare aqua in their water..it cleans their guts out keeping away bad bacteria

Housing -

Rabbits can live in or outdoor.  The exact amount of space needed depends on the size of your rabbit, but the more space the better.  Your rabbit cage / hutch must be able to fit a hideaway – all outdoor hutches are provided with one.  You must also make sure you have the following -

•Water bottle
•Food dish
•Saw dust
•Hay
•Straw
•Shredded paper can also be used as bedding
Make sure when putting a hutch outside its kept off the ground to stop any damp.  All hutches should be cleaned out on a weekly basis and poo poo corner 2 to 3 times a week, if the hutch starts to smell and stain you can buy a disinfection spray from any pet store/good hardware shop eg.wilkinsons.

Handling -

Never pick your rabbit up by their ears or scruff of neck follow these steps -

•One hand under there rib cage
•Other hand around the back legs
•Make sure your rabbits feet are well supported
•Hold your rabbit against your body with their head on your chest or shoulder

Exercise –

You can exercise your rabbit by buying a rabbit run or by making one.  If you have a secured garden your rabbit can be let out to run around make sure water and shelter is available.

NEVER leave your rabbit unattended whilst loose.

Rabbits need daily exercise as they can become bored and destructive.

Health -

Rabbits are generally healthy creative as long as there habbitat is kept clean and their food and water is fresh.  If you notice any abnormal symptoms which include -

•Diarrhoea
•Breathing difficulties
•Hair loss
•Head tilt
•Lumps
You should speak to your local vet

Grooming & Nail Trimming –

A soft brush should be used for grooming.  Rabbits do not require baths there meticulous groomers. If your rabbit can not reach a dirty patch their selves you can spot cleaned with mild soapy water.

Rabbits nails need to be trimmed about every six weeks.  Care must be taken when cutting nails, Avoid cutting any blood vessel in the centre of the nail called the quick.  The vessel should be clearly visible in good daylight if your rabbit nails aren’t black.  You can get your rabbits nails cut at any vets or a expert to show you how to cut your rabbits nails yourself.

Spraying & Neutering -

Having surgery done will prevent any unwanted litters it can also prevent -

•Litter training easy
•Rabbits from spraying urine to mark terriotory
•Decrease aggressive such as belting, lunging, circling and growling
•Prevent cancers from development in later life
Neutering can be done from 14-16 weeks for Bucks and cost around £25-£30.  Does can be done around 5-6 months and will cost around £35-£40.  It’s possible for rabbits to start breeding at 4 months, so prior to op you should separate your rabbit.